Thulisile Nkomo, from the City of Cape Town, is walking in the footsteps of her own family heroes: strong and resilient female members and ancestors who light the way ahead.

With a Master’s degree in Ichthyology from Makhanda University, Thulisile is interning at the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity at the same university where she will be assisting with laboratory and field work.

We asked Thulisile a few questions to find out more about her passions, plans and hopes for the future:

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about environmental awareness through research of endangered species and rehabilitating endemic species. I also enjoy volunteering and fundraising for centres that help domestic animals.

What inspired your choice of study?

My grade 10 teacher would often get us involved in environmental activities, and she once took us on an exciting trip to the aquarium. My high school also had an environmental club through which we planted trees and went on hikes. This sparked my passion for biodiversity and nature.

What excites you about your internship?

What excites me most about my internship is the networking aspect. I am also excited to expand my marine ecology experience and participate in the WWF workshops. I am sure I will learn and grow as I network with other interns.

What are your expectations of this internship?

I hope to grow within the field of science and benefit from being mentored. I expect to live out my passion in marine work and be prepared for the working environment thereafter.

What contribution do you hope to make towards a future in which people and nature thrive?

I hope to make a significant contribution to research within the science community so that management strategies to protect endangered species can be implemented. I also want to do research that improves the sustainable use of natural resources.

Who inspires you most and why?

My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has shown me what it means to be hard working, disciplined and independent. She has also taught me compassion, and the resilience I have needed throughout my academic life.